UPS Driver Jobs vs. Gig Apps: Which Pays Better?

If you've been reading the news lately, you've probably seen the headlines: "UPS drivers now make $170,000 a year."

It sounds incredible. It sounds like everyone should quit their day job and put on a brown uniform. But before you rush to apply for UPS driver jobs, you need to read the fine print.

The delivery world is split into two very different paths right now: the union career (UPS) and the independent hustle (gig platforms like Lugg). Both involve heavy lifting and driving, but the pay structures — and the lifestyles — couldn't be more different.

In this guide, we'll break down UPS driver pay against what independent movers earn on high-paying gig platforms so you can decide which route is right for your wallet.

The truth about UPS driver pay

First, let's debunk the viral headline. Do UPS drivers actually make $170,000? Yes, eventually — but not when they start, and not entirely in cash.

The four-year grind

UPS operates on a seniority-based union contract through the Teamsters. You don't walk in the door making top dollar.

• Starting pay: New full-time drivers start around $23 per hour under the current Teamsters contract.
• The progression: It takes four years of full-time driving to reach the "top rate," which is currently around $44–$49+ per hour.
• The total package: The "$170K" figure you see in headlines includes the estimated value of pension contributions and healthcare benefits — not just take-home pay. Your actual paycheck in year one looks a lot closer to $48,000.

The trade-off

To earn that top rate, you have to commit. UPS driving is a career, not a side gig. You're working strict schedules (often 10+ hours a day), mandatory overtime during peak season, and you don't get to decide halfway through a shift that you'd rather be home. You also typically start as a part-time package handler before you're eligible for a full-time driving position — a process that can take one to three years depending on your hub's seniority list.

The independent alternative: what movers earn on Lugg

If UPS is the marathon, gig platforms are the sprint. Lugg offers a completely different model: instead of climbing a seniority ladder, you sign up, set your own schedule, and start earning right away.

Two ways to earn — with or without a truck

Lugg has two roles on the platform, and unlike UPS, neither one requires years of seniority to start:

• Lugg Driver: You bring a qualifying vehicle — a pickup truck, cargo van, sprinter van, or box truck — and you're paired with a Helper for every job. You handle driving and work alongside your Helper on the move itself. Drivers on the Lugg platform can earn $28–$42 per hour depending on vehicle type, with hourly averages varying by metro area and time of year. That's from day one, no four-year wait.
• Lugg Helper: No vehicle needed — just your phone and the ability to lift. Helpers ride with the Driver and help handle the heavy lifting: loading, unloading, navigating stairs and tight spaces. Helpers can earn an average of $18 per hour, varying by metro area and time of year. It's one of the few gig roles where you can start earning without owning a car, truck, or even a bike.

These rates are averages across all markets and times of year. In many markets, Lugg operates on a commission basis — meaning movers frequently earn well above these averages on individual slots. Either way, movers can also earn tips, which are split 50/50 between Driver and Helper. Top earners on the platform make $1,000+ per month in tips alone. Plus there are opportunities to earn bonuses and participate in additional earning programs through Lugg.

And you get paid daily — earnings hit your account every evening after completed jobs.

The independence trade-off

The flip side? You're an independent contractor, which means:

• Expenses vary by role: Drivers handle vehicle maintenance and insurance (unlike UPS drivers who use company trucks), though Lugg does offer a gas reimbursement policy to help offset fuel costs. Helpers have minimal overhead since no vehicle is required.
• No employer benefits: There's no pension or company-provided health insurance. You'll need to arrange your own.
• Variable demand: A slow Tuesday means fewer jobs.
• Both roles require being at least 18, the ability to lift over 100 lbs, a recent smartphone, great communication skills, and a positive, professional attitude. Drivers additionally need a valid license, a clean driving record, and a qualifying vehicle.

The upside of that independence is real, though. You choose which slots to sign up for, how many you take on, and whether you take a month off. Once you're committed to a slot, you see it through — but nobody's assigning you a mandatory Saturday shift during peak season. And the work itself is varied — store deliveries, residential moves, junk removal, donation pickups, furniture delivery, even Craigslist purchases. It's not the same route 150 times a day.

Head-to-head: UPS career vs. Lugg Mover

The verdict: career vs. cash

Choose UPS if...

You want a long-term career with guaranteed benefits. If stability, a pension, and employer-provided healthcare for your family matter most, UPS is hard to beat. You just have to be willing to grind through four years at lower pay (and potentially one to three years as a part-timer before that) to get there. The long-term payoff is one of the best in the industry.

Go independent with Lugg if...

You want to start earning competitive rates now — on your own terms. If you own a truck, you can sign up as a Lugg Driver and start earning from day one, with daily payouts hitting your account every evening. Don't have a vehicle? Sign up as a Lugg Helper — all you need is your phone and the ability to lift. Either way, you choose which slots to pick up, how many you take on, and when you take time off. You're supported by Lugg's operations and dispatch team, but the schedule is yours.

How Lugg compares to other gig platforms

Not all gig platforms are created equal. The type of work matters:

• Food delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats): Low barrier to entry, but generally lower pay. After factoring in gas and wear on your car, many drivers net close to minimum wage.
• Rideshare (Uber, Lyft): Consistent demand, but heavy vehicle wear-and-tear with passengers. Rates have been squeezed in most markets.
• Moving and delivery (Lugg): The physical labor and need for a larger vehicle create a higher barrier to entry — which is exactly why the rates are higher. Fewer people can do it, so the jobs pay more. And you don't even need a truck to get started — Helpers earn with just a phone and the ability to lift. (Already own a truck? Here are more ways to make money with it.)

How to get started on Lugg

If the independent route sounds right, here's how it works:

Signing up as a Lugg Driver:

1. Head to lugg.com/become-a-lugger and sign up. You'll need a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, the ability to lift 100+ lbs, a positive professional attitude, and a qualifying vehicle (pickup truck, cargo van, sprinter van, or box truck — 2001 or newer, in good condition, with a clean interior).
2. Complete the onboarding process, including a background check and vehicle verification. Most Drivers are approved and accepting jobs within 2–7 days.
3. Start accepting jobs in your area. Movers in 500+ U.S. cities are already earning on the platform.

Signing up as a Lugg Helper:

1. Sign up at lugg.com/become-a-lugger. You'll need a smartphone with an unlimited data plan, the ability to lift 100+ lbs, and a positive, professional attitude.
2. Complete onboarding and a background check.
3. Start getting matched with jobs — you'll ride with a Driver and handle the heavy lifting on each move. No vehicle required.

Frequently asked questions

How much do UPS drivers actually take home?

Starting UPS drivers earn around $23 per hour, or roughly $48,000 per year before overtime. After four years at the top rate ($44–$49+/hr), annual take-home pay can reach $90,000–$100,000+. The widely reported "$170K" figure includes the estimated value of pension and healthcare benefits.

Can you make a full-time income on Lugg?

Many independent movers on the Lugg platform treat it as their primary source of income, while others use it to supplement another job. Drivers can earn $28–$42 per hour depending on vehicle type, and Helpers can earn an average of $18 per hour — plus tips when customers choose to leave them. These are averages that vary by metro area and time of year, and in commission-based markets, movers often earn above those figures. Your total earnings depend on your market, availability, vehicle size, and how many slots you accept. Earnings are paid out daily, and the flexibility to scale up or down is one of the main advantages.

Do you need your own truck to work on Lugg?

No. You can sign up as a Lugg Helper without a vehicle and earn an average of $18 per hour plus tips for loading, unloading, and heavy lifting. Having your own truck or van lets you sign up as a Lugg Driver, which opens up more job types and higher earning potential ($28–$42/hr + tips).

Is UPS hiring right now?

UPS typically ramps up hiring before peak season (October–December) and posts full-time driver positions throughout the year depending on hub needs. Check ups.com/careers for current openings. Keep in mind that many drivers start as part-time package handlers before moving into a full-time driving role.

What are the physical requirements?

Both are physically demanding. UPS drivers handle 150+ stops per day with packages up to 70 lbs, often on strict time schedules. Independent movers on Lugg handle heavy furniture, appliances, and large items — often navigating stairs, tight doorways, and walk-ups. If you're comfortable with physical work, both paths reward it.

Do independent movers on Lugg get insurance coverage?

As independent contractors, movers on the Lugg platform arrange their own vehicle insurance and health coverage. Lugg does provide a damage protection policy for items during transport. For personal insurance options, many independent contractors use marketplace plans or industry-specific coverage.

How much do Lugg movers make?

Lugg Drivers can earn $28–$42 per hour depending on vehicle type, and Lugg Helpers can earn an average of $18 per hour. These are averages across all markets — in commission-based markets, movers frequently earn above those figures on individual slots. On top of base pay, movers can earn tips (split 50/50 between Driver and Helper), with top earners making $1,000+ per month in tips. Earnings are paid out daily and vary by metro area, time of year, and availability. Learn more about how to make money with your truck.

How do tips work on Lugg?

Customers have the option to tip after each job through the Lugg app. Tips are split 50/50 between the Driver and Helper on every job. Tipping is not guaranteed on every job, but top-rated movers who deliver great customer service consistently earn more in tips. For context on what customers typically tip, check out our guide to tipping movers.